Trump’s Golf Activities and Their Impact on Taxpayer Costs
President Donald Trump recently celebrated a golf victory, claiming his 43rd career club championship. He announced this achievement in a post on Truth Social, highlighting his win at the Bedminster, New Jersey course with a score of 70. Trump emphasized his limited practice time due to other commitments.
This announcement has reignited discussions about Trump’s time on the golf course. Independent trackers estimate that the taxpayer cost for his golf-related travel and security has nearly reached $115 million.
Trump and Golf Expenses
During his second term, Trump’s golf-related costs have been closely monitored. The website Is Trump Golfing Today? estimates these costs, at $114.97 million as of August 3. The breakdown includes approximately $80.2 million for days spent at Mar-a-Lago and West Palm Beach, $13.6 million for visits to Bedminster, New Jersey, $10 million for a Scotland trip, and $7 million for visits to his Washington-area course. These estimates rely on a 2019 Government Accountability Office report.
Early first-term trips to Mar-a-Lago cost around $3.4 million each. Higher costs arose from Air Force One travel, Coast Guard patrols, and C-17 cargo flights for transporting his motorcade.
Watchdog groups have also tracked Trump’s frequent visits to his properties. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) reported 259 total property visits by mid-June, including 148 to golf courses.
Comparisons with Obama
Trump often compared his golf habits to former President Barack Obama. Criticizing Obama’s golf time, Trump promised to avoid this pattern. Yet, Is Trump Golfing Today? reports Obama played 333 rounds of golf during his presidency, while Trump has visited golf courses on over 20 percent of his first-term days.
The cost difference lies in travel locations. Obama’s games mostly took place at Joint Base Andrews, minimizing travel and security expenses, unlike Trump’s private club visits requiring longer travel.
Estimates for Obama’s travel costs vary. Is Trump Golfing Today? suggests around $105 million in travel expenses over eight years. Judicial Watch records indicate the Obama family’s personal travel at $105.7 million, while a McClatchy report estimates lower costs at around $85 million.
Public Perception and Criticism
Trump frequently criticized Obama’s golf outings in tweets, with 27 tweets recorded from 2011 to 2016 by SB Nation. During a 2016 campaign, Trump assured voters he would prioritize work over golf. However, once in office, Trump played more than Obama did at similar points in their presidencies.
Criticism of Obama peaked when he played golf on Martha’s Vineyard shortly after addressing journalist James Foley’s death. Commentators on Fox News criticized the timing.